Former England international Joe Cole gave his verdict on Manchester United starlet Kobbie Mainoo’s full international debut against Belgium on Tuesday night.
The 18-year-old started in midfield on Tuesday evening alongside Declan Rice and Jude Bellingham. He made an impression in the first half, even contributing to the build-up that won England a penalty for their first goal, scored by Ivan Toney.
The Brentford striker won the penalty after receiving the ball from Bellingham, but it was Mainoo who picked out the Real Madrid star.
Although England drew 2-2 on the night, Mainoo’s overall performance was impressive as he showed more maturity than most players his age.
Speaking at half-time on Channel 4, Cole delivered his verdict on Mainoo.
“This is what he is in the team for – breaking the play- winning the ball,” Cole said, as quoted by TBR Football. “But on the ball, I have been so impressed.
“He can operate in tight spaces, he’s a natural footballer, he has just given us a nice of balance in there. For a lad of 18 to do that at Wembley is fantastic.”
That wasn’t the only praise Mainoo earned last night. Fellow retired footballer turned pundit Gary Lineker called for the youngster to be included in Gareth Southgate’s squad for Euro 2024.
While Mainoo earned his first start for the Three Lions last night, it came just days after he made his debut off the bench against five-time world champions Brazil.
It’s all happening very quickly for Mainoo, but the sky is the limit when you possess talent like he does.
Subscribe to the Stretty News podcast Strettycast for weekly episodes on Manchester United. You can also sign up to the ad-free Stretty Newsletter. Get the Stretty News verdict on all matters Manchester United.
I expect Mainoo to end up at Real Madrid.